Chelation Therapy – Purpose, Procedure, Benefits & Risks
Chelation therapy is a medical treatment that involves the administration of chelating agents, such as EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid), to remove heavy metals and minerals from the body. Here is an overview of the purpose, procedure, benefits, and risks of chelation therapy.
Purpose:
- Chelation therapy is primarily used to treat heavy metal poisoning, such as lead, arsenic, and mercury poisoning.
- It has also been used as an alternative therapy for other conditions, such as atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries), coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease.
Procedure:
- Chelation therapy is typically administered intravenously (through a vein) in a doctor's office or clinic.
- The chelating agent is slowly infused into the bloodstream over several hours, typically with multiple treatments required.
- The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the condition being treated.
Benefits:
- Chelation therapy has been shown to effectively remove heavy metals from the body, reducing toxicity and improving symptoms associated with heavy metal poisoning.
- Some studies have suggested that chelation therapy may have benefits for conditions such as atherosclerosis, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Risks:
- Chelation therapy can have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, headaches, and low blood pressure.
- In rare cases, chelation therapy can lead to more serious complications, such as kidney damage, allergic reactions, and a drop in calcium levels in the blood.
- Chelation therapy should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment for serious conditions such as heart disease or cancer.
It is important to note that while chelation therapy has potential benefits for certain conditions, it should only be performed under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
